Michigan Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The federal government funds the Michigan LIHEAP program. The government grant is used to provide families and individuals in Michigan with the following programs and resources. They include State Emergency Relief, as well as the Home Heating Credit.

Michigan State Emergency Relief (SER)

This program is managed by the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS). If you are interested in this program, an application is needed to request assistance and as part of this process an appointment is also generally required. To apply or to learn more, you need to contact the local DHS office in your county.

What is SER?

It is program that people who are experiencing an emergency or crisis situation can turn to for aid. It provides services and resources that can be used to pay for heating fuel, electricity, utility bills, and even home repairs. There are some conditions, and they one or more of the following:

The applicant must have an immediate need for help, such as received a shut off or disconnection notice.

They need to be out of fuel, or very short on it.

Need some type of repairs to their heating system.

Have limited income and assets.

How much does State Emergency Relief pay?

If you apply and are accepted into the program, you can receive:

A maximum of $4,000 for state energy-related home and heating system repairs.

Winter heating fuel assistance provided is an annual maximum of $550 to $1,100 depending on the fuel type the applicant uses.

Michigan Home Heating Credit

This credit is available low to moderate income households throughout Michigan. People need to apply, and the Michigan Department of Treasury will review your application, determine eligibility and will make the payments to you.

There are some conditions, and they include :

You can apply for the Home Heating Credit program only.

The applicant does not need to file a state income tax return to be eligible to receive the Home Heating Credit.

Eligibility for the credit will be based on total household income, number of exemptions and home much the applicant pay for their heating and utility bills.

Applications for this credit are available from mid to late January and may be made through September 30 of each year.

For more information or to apply to any of these Michigan programs, call the state of Michigan at 1-800-292-5650.